How to make homemade extracts: The ultimate guide


homemade extracts

Extract is an ingredient that is commonly used in baking. Many baking recipes include a small amount of extract and this gives or enhances the flavor of your baked goods. If you bake a lot, you may use a lot of extracts, and this gets expensive over time.

If you like to have a variety of extracts in your pantry, I recommend that you make as many extracts as you can at home. By doing this, you will be able to save on the cost of extracts.
It is cheaper to make your extracts instead of buying them. The best part of making extracts is how easy it is to make them.

Today I will explain to you how you can make baking extracts. I will state the tools and ingredients that you will need to make baking extracts. I will also list the advantages and disadvantages of making your extracts.
Lastly, I will list and answer some frequently asked questions about making homemade extracts.

Tools you need to make extracts

You will need a few items to make extract at home; these items include:
1. A knife: You will need this to cut up herb or fruit.

2. A small funnel: If you are making extract in a glass bottle, using a funnel will help you turn the alcohol of your choice into the bottle easily.

3. Measuring cup with a spout: In case you do not have a funnel, a measuring cup will work as well. Using a measuring cup, you can measure out the required amount of vodka and turn it into a bottle.

4. Clear or amber glass bottles/ jars: If you do not have any already, you need to purchase some glass jars. Plastic jars are not recommended for two reasons:

i.  Plastic is more permeable than glass

ii. Plastic containers can absorb smells, so there is a slight risk of your extract, absorbing a different smell.
Importantly, books and articles on making extracts recommend amber bottles because it prevents the degradation of the extract in the jar if the jar is  exposed to sunlight or light.

5. Stickers: When you start making a lot of extracts, it may become easy to mix up all the citrus extracts. You can easily prevent such an occurrence by using stickers to label your homemade extract.

Ingredients needed to make extracts

To make your extracts, you will need:

i. 80 proof alcohol: Usually, vodka is the recommended spirit of choice because it does not have a strong flavor. Importantly, you can use rum, brandy to make your extracts. It is important that you choose alcohol that will not overpower the flavor you wish to extract.
Using vodka to make extracts will give you a cleaner flavor and better infusion. I do not suggest you use alcohol like tequila. The flavor of the tequila will be too prominent.

ii. The fruit, spice, or herb you will use to make the extract: You will need to immerse some of the herb or  fruit you wish to use in vodka. The part you should use to make your extract is the oily, fragrant part of the fruit or herb. For example, to make citrus extracts, you will need the peel of the fruits you want to use. To extract the flavor from spices, you can immerse the spices in the alcohol. Fresh herbs can be extracted by using the leaves of the plant. If you have only dried herbs, you can use these instead of the fresh leaves.

iii. Glycerin: If you want to make an alcohol free extract, you will need glycerin.

homemade extracts

Steps for making your extracts

Below are the simple steps you can follow to make your extracts at home

Step 1: Prepare the containers you wish to use and make your extracts. If you will be using jars or bottles, wash the containers thoroughly and sterilize them using hot water if possible.
If you will be using a plastic container to make large quantities of extracts, avoid containers that have been used to store foods or drinks.

Step 2: Prepare the fruit, herb, or spice you will be using. If you will be making vanilla extract, split the vanilla bean, scrape the seeds out and chop up the vanilla beans.

Most citrus fruits can be extracted by using the rinds. So to extract the flavor, wash the fruit, dry the fruit, and cut off the rind while avoiding the white part beneath the rind. The white part will make the extract bitter and adds little to no flavor to the extract.

To make a spice extract, crush or break up the spice before using it to make extracts. I make a nutmeg extract by breaking up nutmeg and adding it to vodka. Some spices can be added to the vodka even without breaking it up. However, breaking up the spice will make the extraction process faster.
If you want to make extract using an herb like mint, I recommend using the leaves or dried mint leaves to make your extract.

Step 3: Pour the alcohol and the parts you want to use to brew your extracts into a jar. At the bottom of this post, I will link blogs with recipes for making extracts.
I do not use a recipe when making extracts because I can estimate how much of each ingredient I will need.

Step 4: Shake the jar of extract and store it in a cool dark place. Repeat this action a few times a week for up to 4 weeks. Afterward, you can shake your jar of extract whenever you use it.

Step 5: Strain the extract. This step is optional, and you can skip it if you prefer.

I do not drink alcohol; can I still make extracts?
Yes, you can. You can use glycerin to make extracts. I have never tried this method before, but individuals who have tried this method state that it works. Here is a guide on how to make extracts using glycerine.

How to use homemade extracts

There are a plethora of things you can do with your homemade extract. The most common way to use extracts is in baked goods. You can use extracts when making dessert, buttercream, drinks, ice cream, and many other baked goods. When using extracts, you only need 1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of extracts.


While I love making my extracts, you may wonder why you should bother. Extracts can be found in many markets and supermarkets. Why take the time to make your own? Below, I will explain the advantages of making your baking extracts. To balance out this argument, I will also explain the disadvantages of making your extracts.

homemade extracts


Advantages of making your extracts

1. You can make custom extracts
One thing that drew me to making my extract was the fact that I could make an extract out of multiple fruits, nuts, or spices. The extract combinations are not very common, and I could alter the ratios of ingredients in my extract to fit my needs.
For example, if I want a vanilla, orange, and grapefruit extract, I could use vanilla beans, orange, and grapefruit peels to make my extract. However, if I want the orange to be an accent note, I could use a smaller amount of orange peel in my extract.

2. It is cheaper to make extracts yourself
If you use a lot of extracts, I recommend making them yourself because it will be cheaper. To make extracts, you will need some vodka and the fruit, spice, and nuts you wish to extract. You will also need a glass jar or bottle, but you can easily repurpose a glass jar that you already have in your kitchen. Using these items, you can make 500ml of extracts for less than half the price of store-bought extracts. It is important to note that while it may seem expensive, you are making way more extract than what you buy in the store.

3. You know the ingredients in your extracts
If you bake for individuals who have dietary restrictions or allergies, you may be wondering what ingredients are in store-bought extracts or the factories in which they are made. You can easily eliminate this worry by making your extracts. You can build your collection of homemade extracts in time and create a collection of extracts that fit your needs. If you are wary of extracts that are made with coloring agents and unknown ingredients, you should start making your extracts.

4. You will be able to dictate the concentration of your extracts
When you purchase pure vanilla extract, you may see the terms ‘double fold’ or ‘triple-fold’; these refer to the concentration of the extract. The more concentrated your extract is, the less extract you need to use in your baked goods. Except specified, the extracts you purchase are usually single fold extracts. While single-fold extracts are good, a more concentrated extract will save you money and last longer. If you cannot find a double fold or triple-fold vanilla extract, we recommend that you make your own.

Disadvantages of making your extracts

1. Making extracts takes time
I love making my extract, and I encourage you to make your extracts as well. The main downside of making the extracts is the time that it takes. In some cases, extracting flavors can take two weeks to 6 months. This time frame is heavily influenced by the flavor that is being extracted and the quality of your fruit, herb, or spices. From my experience, greens or herbs extract faster.

2. Upfront, the process may be time-consuming and slightly expensive
Making extracts can be a long process. However, the only labor-intensive part of this process is prepping the jars, cutting up the fruits, herbs, or splitting up the vanilla beans. Afterward, all you have to do is shake up your jar of extracts every few days.
The first time you make extracts, it may seem expensive. If you already have the tools needed to make your extracts and do not need to purchase any new items, this will be a straightforward non-costly project. The only cost you will incur will be the cost of the ingredients.

3. The quality of your extracts may vary.
The quality of the fruits, spices, nuts you use will impact the quality of the extracts. Hence, if you buy substandard fruits, herbs, and spices, this will reflect in the concentration or the flavor of your extract.
Similarly, if you use a different variety of a fruit to  make your extracts, the flavor may differ slightly or smell differently.

How to store homemade extracts

After making your extract, you need to store it properly to ensure that it is at the best quality when you want to use it.
Here is how you can store your homemade extract properly:
- Store the extract in a glass bottle or amber-colored glass bottle.
- Keep the bottles or jars out of sunlight. Store your extracts in a dark, cool place. This could be a cupboard or in your pantry.

homemade extracts

FAQ

1. How long will homemade extracts last?
Homemade extracts can last almost indefinitely; you do not have to worry about your extracts going bad. While the homemade extract will not go bad, the quality of the extract may deteriorate over time and become less potent. This is a result of the exposure of the extracts to direct sunlight. The UV rays from the sun can cause the degradation of the extracts over time.
To prevent this, we recommend that you use an amber glass bottle when making your extracts. If you do not have an amber glass bottle, you can use a clear glass bottle or jar. Also, ensure that your homemade extracts are not left open after use.

2. Can I keep it in the fridge or freezer?
No! There is no need to keep your homemade extracts in the fridge or freezer. The alcohol in the extract is enough to preserve it. If you keep extract in the fridge or freezer, it may get cloudy after you take it out. The oils in the extract may also congeal in small white bits. You will still be able to use the extracts even if these things happen, but the extract will not look pretty.

3. Can I use other high proof alcohols instead of vodka?
Yes, when making an extract, you can use rum, whiskey, and any other high-proof alcohol that complements the extract you wish to make. If you would like to enhance the flavor of your extracts, you can use similarly flavored vodka to make your homemade extract.
For example, you can use an orange-flavored vodka to make your orange extract.

4. Why is my extract not sweet?
If you have been using essences and fake extracts, you may have come across a sweet imitation extract. Extracts are not sweet. You should not be worried if you taste your extract and it is slightly bitter.

5. Can I speed up the extraction process?
Yes, you can. If you want to make your extracts quickly, you can always use the methods below.
- Blend the spice, herb, or fruit you will be extracting flavor from.
- Turn the blended product into your mason jar or bottle.
- Pour the appropriate amount of alcohol into the bottle.
- Shake the extract every day for 1-2 weeks.
This method will work in a pinch, but I recommend waiting at least six weeks to use your homemade extracts.

6. There is condensation inside my bottle of extract; what should I do?
These are two things that can cause condensation inside your bottle of extract:
i. The weather or the place where you put your extract is too warm or hot.
ii. Your jar is not closed tightly enough
If neither of the above reasons applies to your situation, the condensation you see may just be the alcohol used to brew your extract.
If you feel worried about this, fill up your bottle or jar of the extract with alcohol, and leave to brew. Always leave at least 1 inch of space before closing your bottle or jar tightly.

7. What type of vodka do I use?
You do not need to buy specialty vodka to brew your extracts. It is recommended that you use the cheapest 40% Vodka that you can find.

8. Can I make large amounts of extract a time?
Yes, you can. While small bottles are cute, you can make a liter or a gallon of extract at a time. If you would like to gift your friends and family with extract, this is the way to go.
Get a large bottle and start brewing a large batch of extract. I recommend that you start brewing your extract at least two months before you wish to gift it.
When you are ready to gift the extracts, you can then turn the extracts into small amber bottles or mason jars.
Making extracts in bulk will ensure that you never run out of homemade extracts.
For your safety and to prevent an unfortunate event, I suggest that you brew large batches of extracts in plastic jars. If this container should fall, it may not break, and it will be much easier for you to lift a plastic gallon, bottle or jar filled with the extract.

9. Do I need to strain the extract after a certain amount of time?
Straining your extract is a personal decision. I do not bother to strain my homemade extracts because the bits always settle at the bottom.
However, if you want to give out homemade extracts, I recommend that you strain your extract. When you have poured the extract into a jar or bottle, you can put a fresh piece of the extracted fruit, spice, or herb inside your bottle or jar. The fresh piece you add will be for aesthetic reasons.
So, you can strain your extract if you want to, but it is not compulsory.

10. Can I make a clear extract?
Clear extracts are popular among bakers who make white cakes and super white buttercreams. However, you can not make clear extracts at home. If you need a clear extract, I recommend that you purchase one from a shop.

11. Can I use the homemade extracts in recipes for children?
Yes, you can. Homemade extracts can be brewed without using alcohol. Importantly, even the extract made with alcohol can be used when baking for children. This is because each time you bake, you may use between 1 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon of extract, this is about 15ml of vodka. During the baking process, about 20-40% of the alcohol will be baked out. This will leave an insignificant amount of alcohol in the baked good. By the time each child consumes a piece of the baked good, they will ingest less than 1ml of the extract.
If in doubt, make your extract without alcohol.

12. Should I use heat to speed up the extraction process?
No. I have never tried heating the vodka before brewing the extract. The reason why I have never tried this method is that I feel heating the alcohol may cause some of the methanol to evaporate.
If you need to speed up the extraction process, you can try using the pressure cooker method.

13. How do I know if my alcohol is 80 proof?
Most recipes for making extracts state that you should use 70-80 proof alcohol. Simply search for a spirit with a 37-40% alcohol content.

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